INTRODUCTION:
India, a rapidly growing economy that is only second to China in terms of population. A rising growth of cancer cases in the last decade has, however, become a major public health concern for this growing nation. With nearly 1.5 million cases registered every year, the burden of diseases like cancer can have far-reaching consequences for individuals as well as have a larger impact on the social strata of the country. In 2019, it is estimated that there will be 61,780 new cases of leukemia and an estimated 22,840 people will die of this disease.
BLOOD CANCER OCCURANCE IN INDIA
Among various diseases, cancer has become a big threat to human beings globally. As per Indian population census data, the rate of mortality due to cancer in India was high and alarming with about 806000 existing cases by the end of the last century. Cancer is the second most common disease in India responsible for maximum mortality with about 0.3 million deaths per year Among various diseases, cancer has become a big threat to human beings globally. As per Indian population census data, the rate of mortality due to cancer in India was high and alarming with about 806000 existing cases by the end of the last century. Cancer is the second most common disease in India responsible for maximum mortality with about 0.3 million deaths per year India has the third highest number of haematological cancers in the world, after US and China according to Globocan 2012, a report prepared by World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer. Among the top 20 cancers affecting the Indian population in 2012, leukaemia ranked at nine. It affected an estimated 32,000 men and women in the country that year and caused 26,000 deaths. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, meanwhile, ranked 13, with 23,000 fresh cases and 16,000 deaths reported. Blood cancer occurs when something goes wrong in the development of blood cells. Depending on the type of blood cancer, patients may have different symptoms, treatments and prognosis. Blood cancer may be described as either, acute, which means an aggressive or fast-growing cancer that spreads quickly, or chronic, which means a slower-growing or ‘indolent’ (lazy) cancer that takes longer to spread.
Options for blood cancer treatment in India:
Blood cancer treatment relies on many variables. The treating doctor or oncologist will determine treatment options for blood cancer based on age and general health, type of blood cancer, and whether it has spread to other areas of the body. Apart from that the facilities at the hospital you are seeking treatment from. You can avail these blood cancer treatment methods in India.
- Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a treatment option that involves using drugs to prevent cancer cells from dividing and growing by destroying them. This treatment’s effectiveness depends on the stage of cancer. The earlier it is administered; the chances of cure are better.
- Radiation therapy
It is an option for treating cancer using radioactive waves. Radiation therapy can lead to the killing of present blood cells, slowing cancer cell growth rate, reducing a tumour’s size. This therapy option is often used with other techniques such as surgery to allow efficient therapy and full cancer cell removal.
- Bone marrow transplant
The bone marrow transplant procedure involves replacing the damaged bone marrow of the patient with healthy bone marrow. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy often precedes the procedure in order to destroy the blood cancer cells in the bone marrow.
- Biological therapy
Biological therapy, also known as immunotherapy, is made up of living organisms, parts extracted from or artificially generated in laboratories. These immunotherapy drugs use the immune system of the body to fight the disease instead of destroying blood cancer cells. It is often also used with other therapy alternatives.
- Targeted drug therapy
Targeted drug therapy is as the name suggests a targeted drug treatment aimed at specific genes, proteins, or surrounding cancer tissues that contribute to cancer development and survival. This form of treatment blocks the growth and spread of cancer cells while limiting damage to healthy cell.
Why should you go for a bone marrow transplant in India?
Bone marrow transplantation is a life-saving treatment for patients whose marrow isn’t functioning properly. The bone marrow may get damaged due to certain chronic diseases or infections and in some cases, due to ongoing cancer treatment. It is also known as stem cells transplantation.
Bone marrow transplant in India is one of the most established forms of treatment offered to patients across several specialized Bone marrow transplant hospitals and units. One of the main reasons why patients should choose to go for bone marrow transplant in India is that this complex procedure is conducted with extreme care in world-class hospitals and a secure and sterile environment by the experienced experts only.
Some of the reasons that make India one of the most preferred destinations for stem cells treatment in India include the following:
- Ultra-modern infrastructure
- Practically no waiting time
- Experienced and internationally-trained medical experts
- State-of-the-art bone marrow transplant laboratories
- Readily available transfusion services
- Fully equipped radiation oncology labs
- Reasonable pricing
- Availability of latest technology
There are many hospitals as well as reputed clinics offering affordable and successful BMT transplant services.
So, arrange your medical tour to India and be ready to receive the best in class stem cell transplant along with a comfortable stay.
Success rate of blood cancer treatment in India
The rate of blood cancer survival depends completely early identification of cancer. The success rate of blood cancer can be anywhere between 60-90% depending on the treatment protocol chosen and early detection of blood cancer. There is a 70% success rate seen in patients who have undergone bone marrow transplant as a treatment for blood cancer.
What is Blood Cancer and What Are the Main Types?
Blood cancer impacts the function and production of blood cells. Bone marrow, which is a fundamental part of the production of blood, is also the part where the blood cancer begins. Stem cells grow into three kinds of blood cells in your bone marrow: red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. In cancer, owing to the development of an abnormal type of blood cell, the blood production process is disrupted. There are mainly 3 types of blood cancer, namely, leukaemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
- Leukaemia
This cancer form is triggered by the rapid production in the bone marrow of abnormal blood cells. These abnormal blood cells influence the capacity of the bone marrow to make red blood cells and platelets.
- Lymphoma
This sort of blood cancer impacts the lymph system, which is accountable for removing your body’s excess fluids and generating immune cells. Lymphocytes are a kind of white blood cell fighting against infection. In your lymph nodes and other tissues, abnormal lymphocytes become lymphoma cells that grow uncontrollably.
- Multiple myeloma
This form of blood cancer affects the plasma cells that are responsible for producing disease-fighting antibodies in the body in white blood cells. Myeloma affects plasma cell production, resulting in a weak immune system.
Diagnosis begins with a thorough history and physical examination. The physical examination is aimed to identify pale skin, tender bones, expanded lymph nodes, and liver and spleen enlargement. Blood tests and bone marrow tests will be done to find evidence of blood cancer. After blood cancer is diagnosed, it will be staged. Staging helps determine better prognosis and best-suited treatment protocol.
Signs and symptoms of blood cancer
Blood cancer is a form of malignancy that impacts the lymphatic system, bone marrow, or birth. Some prevalent symptoms of blood cancer include:
- Chills and fever
- Aching bones or tenderness
- Swelling of lymph nodes, and enlargement of the spleen
- Frequent nose bleeds
- Excessive loss of weight without making any effort
- Extreme weakness and fatigue
- Severe and recurrent infections
- Prone to bruises and bleeding easily
- Extreme night sweats
- Small red spots on the skin
NEED TO KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT FOR CANCER TREATMENT:
A Bone Marrow Transplant is a system to swap harmed bone marrow with fit bone marrow immature microorganisms. Bone marrow is the malleable, greasy tissue inside the bones. Foundational microorganisms are cells in the bone marrow that deliver platelets. Undifferentiated organisms in bone marrow deliver three essential sorts of platelets: Red Blood Cells – which convey oxygen in the body, White Blood Cells – which help battle sicknesses and Platelets – which help quit dying. Bone Marrow Transplant treats patients with Leukemia, illnesses which result in bone marrow disappointment like aplastic paleness and different other invulnerable framework or inherited maladies. There are many infections to which bone marrow transplant is the main answer
Bone Marrow Transplant Benefits
A Bone Marrow Transplant replaces bone marrow that is decimated. Bone Marrow Transplant treats certain tumors, for example, Leukemia, Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma. It can likewise treat sicknesses that influence the formation of bone marrow cells, for example, Aplastic weakness, Congenital Neutropenia, Severe Immunodeficiency disorders, Thalassemia et cetera.
